Volunteer Needs

Volunteering at Norfolk Botanical Garden is not only gardening! Volunteers work in every department, inside and outdoors. Yes, there is lots of mulching and weeding done year-round, but volunteers also do paperwork, work in maintenance, and even do virtual volunteering from home! Volunteer opportunities below are listed by type, with special events first and ongoing volunteer needs second. If you have questions, or need more information, please call Amanda Wells at (757) 441-5830 extension 327, or e-mail volunteer@nbgs.org. We look forward to working with you!

Everything you do makes a difference.

GETTING DIRTY IN THE GARDEN

Gardening Assistant

Weekdays, 9 a.m. – Noon or 1 – 3:00 p.m.
Come and garden in 155 acres of beauty. You don’t need to have experience, you’ll learn as you grow. This is not a one day assignment, but designed for people who want to work and learn for at least a season. (Minimum age 16, or must be accompanied by parent/guardian.)

We can schedule a special group gardening day when your organization can come to the Garden, work for a few hours, then enjoy the Garden the rest of the day. Contact us for information.

Events

Suds & Buds

Friday, March 20, 2015Shifts: 5:00 PM-8:00 PM 7:30 PM-10:30 PM

Join Norfolk Botanical Garden for a fabulous night of fun that supports the Garden, the Rotary Club of Norfolk and the Foodbank. Volunteers greet guests, serve refreshments and help clean up. Be prepared to stand for the shift. (Minimum age 18.) Call 757-441-5830 ext. 327 or email.

AcquaFire

Friday, March 13, 2015

5:00 PM-9:30 PM

Join Norfolk Botanical Garden as we present AcquaFire!Volunteers greet guests and serve refreshments while enjoying the beautiful glow of fire on water! Be prepared to stand and work outdoors. (Minimum age 18.)
Call or send an email.

AcquaFire Set UpTuesday, March 10, 20151:00 PM-5:00 PM

Thursday, March 12, 201510:00 AM-1:00 PM

Volunteers can help with AcquaFire set up. Be prepared to stand and work outdoors. Volunteers will string lights and stage Renaissance Court. (Minimum age 16.) Call or send an email.

AcquaFire Clean UpSaturday, March 14, 20158:30 AM-12:30 PM

Volunteers will move fire wood, re-string lights and return the location to its original state. The ability to lift, stand and bend is required; please be prepared to work outdoors. (Minimum age 16.) Call of send an email.

WPA CelebrationSaturday, April 11, 2015
9:00AM-1:00PM

Celebrate Norfolk Botanical Garden’s rich history as we celebrate our WPA heritage! Volunteers will welcome visitors, give directions, serve refreshments and clean up. Please be prepared to stand and walk for this event. (Minimum age 16).

IF YOU LOVE MEETING THE PUBLIC

WOW Guide

WOW Guides work in the children’s garden. Volunteers make sure that guests have fun and safe experience. Volunteers greet guests, staff stations and help clean up. Please be ready to work outside and be on your feet. (Minimum age 16, or accompanied by a parent or guardian.)

Library Assistant

Saturdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. or Sundays 1 – 4 p.m. or Mondays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Attention Book Lovers! Norfolk Botanical Garden is looking for weekend Library Assistants for the Fred Huette Library. Work with the public, learn library skills, and enjoy a fine horticultural library. A great once a month volunteering opportunity. (Minimum age 16, or must be accompanied by parent/guardian.)

BEHIND THE SCENES

Administrative Support

Weekdays, some weekends possible
Ongoing
Looking for indoor work with no heavy lifting? Want beautiful scenery nearby? This is the volunteer opportunity for you. Work in education and other departments to help get that all important paperwork done. Junior volunteers (14 – 17) welcome.

Facilities Support

Seven days a week, weekends preferred
Flexible shifts, usually 2-3 hours during the hours of 9 am – 5 pm
This is for people who enjoy hard work and seeing immediate results. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Assist with room set ups and cleaning. Work with the facilities crew and be an important part of making the Garden shine. This can be a one shift assignment. (Minimum age 16, or must be accompanied by parent/guardian.)

Education Volunteer

Weekdays 9:00 AM-Noon or 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Ongoing
This position is for a dynamic person who should be prepared to get crafty and shouldn’t mind getting their hands dirty. You may be helping prepare for upcoming classes, working on a computer, or helping maintain flower arrangements. The possibilities are endless! This is not a one day assignment, but designed for people who want to work and learn. (Minimum age 16.) We require a 2-day shift commitment each month.